GENETIC & DNA TESTING
One piece of the health-testing puzzle — not a certificate of perfection.
A clear DNA panel tells us what was tested — and nothing about what was not tested.
“SIX-PANEL CLEAR” IS NOT THE SAME AS “FULLY HEALTH TESTED.”
WHAT DOES “SIX-PANEL CLEAR” ACTUALLY MEAN?
“Six-panel clear” means the laboratory tested the dog for six specifically named genetic variants and did not detect those variants.
The phrase is not a universal standard. Different laboratories, breeds and panels may test for different conditions. Therefore, every result should clearly name:
• The laboratory used
• The dog’s verified identity or microchip number
• The individual conditions tested
• The result for every condition
• The date of testing
• Whether the dog was Clear, Carrier or At Risk/Affected
- A panel result is only as comprehensive as the conditions included within that panel.
A panel result is only as comprehensive as the conditions included within that panel.
- DNA testing may help identify:
• Known inherited variants included in the test
• Whether a dog is Clear, Carrier or At Risk for those variants
• Possible inherited risks to future puppies
• Which breeding combinations may produce affected puppies
A dog may be 'clear' on its DNA panel yet remain structurally or clinically unsound. Clinical screening (veterinary exams) remains essential.
WHAT DNA CLEAR DOES NOT PROVE
DNA testing cannot automatically prove:
• Good hips, elbows, knees or spine
• Correct structure or sound movement
• Healthy breathing or open airways
• A healthy heart
• Healthy eyes
• Good temperament
• Fertility or reproductive health
• Freedom from every inherited condition
• That the dog is suitable or worthy of breeding
- A dog can be clear for every condition on its DNA panel and still be structurally unsound, unable to breathe freely, affected by poor joint development or unsuitable for breeding in temperament and overall health.
CLEAR DOES NOT MEAN BREED WORTHY
DNA results must never be used as the sole justification for breeding a dog.
A breeding assessment should consider the whole dog, including:
• Structure and movement
• Hip and elbow results where relevant
• Spine and patella assessment where relevant
• BOAS or respiratory assessment
• Heart examination
• Current eye examination
• Temperament and behaviour
• Family history and longevity
• Previous offspring and wider bloodline health
• Breed type without exaggeration
• Genetic diversity and compatibility with the proposed mate
“Good breeding is not about collecting the word “clear.” It is about understanding the complete dog and making an informed decision for the next generation.”
- Good breeding is not about collecting the word “clear.” It is about understanding the complete dog and making an informed decision for the next generation.
WHEN OTHER BREEDS ARE BEHIND THE DOG
Many modern bullbreeds and colour lines have other breeds within their ancestry. A dog may look like a French Bulldog, English Bulldog or another recognised type while carrying inherited variants associated with breeds introduced further back in its pedigree.
Testing only a small breed-specific panel may therefore miss relevant inherited risks.
- Where ancestry is mixed, uncertain, disputed or has been influenced by crossbreeding for colour, coat, size or other traits, breeders should consider:
• A comprehensive multi-breed health panel
• Verified ancestry testing where appropriate
• Conditions linked to every known or suspected contributing breed
• Physical health screening that DNA cannot replace
• Honest disclosure of breed composition and test limitations
No single commercial panel detects every possible disease. Science continues to develop and not every inherited disorder has a known DNA test.
Science continues to develop, and new variants are identified regularly. No single commercial panel detects every possible genetic disease.
LOOKS DO NOT REVEAL THE FULL GENETIC PICTURE.
A dog may strongly resemble one breed while carrying inherited variants introduced through another breed several generations earlier.
CLEAR, CARRIER AND AT RISK
CLEAR
The tested variant was not detected. This result applies only to that particular variant and does not guarantee complete health.
CARRIER
The dog carries one copy of a recessive disease-associated variant. A carrier is not automatically unhealthy or unsuitable for breeding, but any proposed mate must be carefully selected and appropriately tested to avoid producing affected puppies.
AT RISK OR AFFECTED
The dog carries the genetic combination associated with increased risk of developing or passing on the condition. The meaning can vary depending on the disease and its inheritance pattern, so professional veterinary or genetic guidance may be needed.
THE BULLBREEDS UNITED STANDARD
Our approach:
- • Publish the full DNA report, not merely “panel clear”
• Name every condition tested
• Link results to the correct dog through verified identification
• Consider all known or suspected ancestry
• Combine DNA testing with relevant physical health assessments
• Review structure, breathing, movement, temperament and family history
• Never present a limited DNA panel as proof of total health or breeding quality
DNA testing is an invaluable tool when it is understood and used correctly. It can help breeders avoid producing puppies affected by known inherited variants, but it cannot examine the dog standing in front of us.
Test the genetics.
Assess the structure.
Watch the movement.
Check the breathing, heart and eyes.
Study the family.
Consider the whole dog.
